Dances with Ivory  Friday, November 22nd at 7pm

 
Dances With IvoryFriday, November 22nd at 7:00pm

Celebrate Native American heritage with this cultural music experience. DANCES WITH IVORY presents piano selections based on indigenous tribal melodies. The piano is used in unusual ways to achieve ethereal effects, such as strumming inside the body of the piano on the strings and using the pedals in creative ways to pick up the tonal vibrations of native flutes, singing, speaking, and playing the soundboard for drum beat effects. Dr. Lisa Cheryl Thomas was a Fulbright Scholar in Canada in 2017 at the University of Alberta and did her doctoral dissertation on native melodies that were collected by ethnographers around the turn of the 20th century.

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The performance includes native storytelling to illustrate the significance of an oral tradition, a very different way of learning compared to modern schooling. Dr. Thomas performs in native regalia and uses multi-media to illustrate the cultural background of each song. She has performed this music in many theaters and concert halls in many countries. Her repertoire also includes bluegrass and patriotic American music by American composers.

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We hope you’ll join us for this uniquely beautiful and moving show.

The Waldo Theatre recognizes that we are on indigenous land. In addition to the Abenaki, the broader place we now call Maine is home to the sovereign people of the Wabanaki Confederacy: the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi'kmaq peoples. We exist on their unceded homelands. Dr. Lisa Cheryl Thomas is an enrolled citizen of Sovereign Cherokee Nation Tejas. Her native name is Danalasgisgv Unegv gola [Dances with Ivory].

Adult tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the show and at the door. Youth tickets are $10 each. Tickets will be available at the Box Office starting at 6:30. Doors open at 6:30, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Adam Ezra Group
Friday, December 20th at 7:30pm

Welcome To Adam Ezra Group

• He takes a month out of each year to visit the living rooms of his fans around the country…

• His band and nonprofit organization RallySound host a free festival every summer that raised $143,000 for homeless veterans in 2023…

• He live-streamed for 500 nights in a row during the pandemic…

• They co-produced an album with 163 fans… 

If you haven’t connected with Adam Ezra Group yet, these are just a few examples to help you understand how this underground, Americana songwriter and his bandmates seem to have popped out of nowhere, establishing a connection with their fans unlike any other, and are suddenly selling out theaters throughout the Northeast.  

Adam Ezra will joke with you that while the “nowhere” part might be accurate, nothing has ever just “popped” for this folk musician, activist.  Without resources, connections, or any kind of clue how the music world works, Ezra began playing shows over 20 years ago.  When music venues wouldn’t hire him, he played bars, bookstores, fields, and parking lots, often raising money for causes he cared about; a practice that grew into his nonprofit organization RallySound.  

“We’d play 5 hours a night,” Adam reminisces, “more often than not, in danger of outnumbering the audiences we were playing for…”

So how did this band operating so far outside the traditional music world come to win New England Music Award’s “Americana Act of the Year” in 2023?   What could have happened to inspire John Oates to call Adam and invite him to begin a songwriting friendship that would lead to John producing their upcoming release and co-write, “Hold Each Other Now”?  What happened to catch the attention of The Wallflowers, who recently invited AEG to join them on their spring tour, or SPIN Magazine who recently proclaimed, “This Independent Underground Folk Band Is Blowing Up Without Selling Out”? 

If you ask Adam, he’ll tell you:

“One person at a time, over many years and thousands of shows, decided to turn their heads to listen.  One person at a time decided to share our music with folks they care about.  That’s always been our story.  It’s no fairytale, but it sure makes me proud and humbled when I look out from the stage to watch theaters full of people singing along to our music.”

These days you’ll find Adam and his bandmates, Corinna Smith (Fiddle), Poche Ponce (Bass), and Alex Martin (Percussion), constantly out on the road.  If you look at their tour schedule now, you can buy tickets to see them at festivals, rock venues, and theaters around the country, but you will also see their tour continuously peppered with activism and grassroots events; a testament to an artist who will never forget where he came from, and whose mission is about much more than music.

Heather Pierson Trio: Holiday "Charlie Brown Christmas" concert
Sunday, December 22nd at 4:00pm

Heather Pierson is a New Hampshire based singer/songwriter, pianist, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. With a toe in each of the realms of New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk, her multi-genre songwriting places her in a category all her own, one honed by decades of diligent practice and curious exploration. Her trio, with Shawn Nadeau on bass/vocals and Craig Bryan on percussion/vocals, performs a rich variety of Heather's originals, jazz and blues standards, and unique re-workings of familiar classics. Their live performances feature their brilliant musicianship, stirring three-part vocal harmonies, boundless joy, and a desire to share from the heart.

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In their annual December offering, The Heather Pierson Trio performs the entirety of the ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ album as recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, as well as other Guaraldi compositions and holiday favorites. The musical score for ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, composed by the late Vince Guaraldi and first broadcast in December of 1965, is just as poignant and touching as the story and includes the hugely popular hit ‘Linus and Lucy’. Guaraldi’s gentle jazz riffs established musical trademarks that, to this day, still prompt smiles of recognition.

Adult tickets are available in advance online for $20/ $25 the day of the show. Youth (17 and under) tickets are $10. A limited amount of Front Row seats are available for $40. Tickets will also be available at the Box Office starting at 3:00pm. Doors open at 3:00pm, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Vince Herman & Sam Grisman Duo
Saturday, January 25th at 7:30pm
 

Music lovers, ease into the new year with this intimate acoustic show!

Vince Herman (@vinceherman.music of @leftoversalmonmusic) and Sam Grisman (@sgrisman of @samgrismanproject ) are coming to The Waldo on Saturday January 25!

Join us for a heartfelt, brilliantly curated evening of music paying tribute to the legacy of Sam’s father David “Dawg” Grisman, Jerry Garcia, John Kahn, John Hartford and many more!

From Sam Grisman : For as long as I can remember I’ve been encountering the great Vince Herman / @vinceherman.music out in the wild with @leftoversalmonmusic . I grew up going to festivals with my pop @daviddawggrisman , and we would always have a great time playing music and spending time with Vinny anytime we crossed paths. He’s always been someone who I’ve looked up to as a positive force in our music scene and like me, he’s always game for some good tunes. Vince and I are looking forward to pairing up and picking and puffing our way through some of our favorite songs for all of you fine north-easterners for these special intimate DUO shows. Please share this news with your musical community and we can’t wait to see y’all out there!  

A limited number of Premium Seats are available; General admission tickets are available for $35 in advance, $40 the day of the event. If this show has not sold out, a limited number of tickets may be available at the box office for starting at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Bearly Dead:A Tribute to The Grateful Dead
Saturday, February 1st at 7:30pm

Not just another Grateful Dead cover band. A cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, a Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours. The band delivers a full-spectrum concert experience filled with danceable energy and world-class musicianship. Each and every Grateful Dead member is honored through a collection of classics, b-sides, deep cuts, and exploratory jams. Holding true to the spirit of the music, Bearly Dead frequently adds to their 250+ song catalog and continues to showcase authentic, spontaneous improvisation – live and in-person – making each show a wildly unique Grateful Dead experience you do not want to miss!

Bearly Dead played their first show at Church of Boston, in 2015, marking the beginning of its hallowed Wednesday Night Residency. Over the next 5 years the phrase “Never Miss A Wednesday Show” became ubiquitous around Boston and Bearly Deadwas nominated multiple times for Boston Music Awards Live Music Residency of the Year. Fans really never knew what might happen, the band never knew what might happen! Bearly Dead shows have featured notable appearances by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), Steve Molitz (Particle/Phil Lesh & Friends), Kebbi Williams (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Rob Compa (Dopapod), Hayley Jane (Hayley Jane & The Primates), Richard James (Neighbor), and Johnny Trama (Dub Apocalypse) — and even a surprise appearance by Jerry Garcia’s “Wolf” guitar in 2018 on Jerry Garcia’s birthday.

Bearly Dead performs at Massachusetts’ most prestigious venues, including Paradise Rock Club, Sinclair, and the Worcester Palladium, as well as headlining at MGM Music Hall Fenway and House of Blues Boston. After becoming a staple in the Northeast US festival community with multiple appearances at Camp Creek, Jerry Jam, Strange Creek Campout, and many more, it was only a matter of time before Bearly Dead shows were being requested around the USA. In October 2022, Bearly Dead saddled up a new van and began touring nationally, performing their interpretation of the catalog across the United States and growing the family all along the way.

Bearly Dead is Tyler Brooks (Drums, Vocals), Dave Becker (Bass,Vocals), Nick Swift (Guitar, Vocals), Kris Yunker (Keys/Organ/Synth, Vocals), and Michael Butler (Vocals, Percussion).

General admission tickets are available for $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event. A limited amount of Front Row tickets will be available for $40. If this show is not sold out, tickets are available at the box office starting at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Echoes of Floyd: A Pink Floyd Experiencc
Saturday, February 8th at 7:30pm

Echoes of Floyd is returning to The Waldo Theater on February 8 at 7:30pm! Prepare to be transported through time and space as Echoes of Floyd recreates the legendary sound of Pink Floyd with astonishing precision.

Echoes of Floyd is a renowned tribute band that has captivated audiences with their extraordinary talent and dedication to the timeless music of Pink Floyd. With their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to authenticity, Echoes of Floyd delivers an unforgettable live experience that transports fans back to the golden era of rock. Hailing from New England, this exceptional ensemble has earned their reputation as New England's premier Pink Floyd experience.

A limited number of Front Row seats are available for $45, General admission tickets are available for $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event. If this show has not sold out, a limited number of tickets may be available at the box office for starting at 6:30pm. Doors open:6:30pm.

An Evening with Lady Lamb
Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm

From her early days, staying late after-hours at her video rental store job in Maine to record songs, to co-producing and arranging her four studio records, Aly Spaltro has remained focused on music that connects, empowers and builds community. She built her fanship the old-fashioned way, getting in front of audiences and projecting her poetic confessionals, silencing rowdy crowds with an a cappella opening song in the center of a dark stage. Spaltro was quick to develop a reputation as a breakout star in New England, and then expanded slowly outwards, moving to New York at twenty to continue work on the songs that would become Ripely Pine. Her voice has never wavered, has grown more honest and open with time, and anyone witnessing the long lines of fans seeking signatures after her performances can see how her work has impacted fans. Her live shows are revelations, a further deep dive into what makes Ripely Pine such a mainstay.

Spaltro is celebrating ten years of Ripely Pine with the release of a 5xLP Box Set, IN THE MAMMOTH NOTHING OF THE NIGHT out August 18 on Ba Da Bing Records. With the original songs remastered, as well as reams of additional material produced and arranged by Spaltro and mixed by original co- producer Nadim Issa, IN THE MAMMOTH NOTHING OF THE NIGHT captures the time, mood, art and ambition of Aly Spaltro in her early twenties, who had already accumulated years of playing and self-recording experience before laying down tracks for this giant of a debut.

“I wrote some of these songs when I was 18, learning how to play the instruments and record with my digital 8-track along the way,” Spaltro says, reflecting on the time. She talks about IN THE MAMMOTH NOTHING OF THE NIGHT with a sense of a mission. “These tracks have haunted me, because they haven’t had a home for all these years. I found all these alternate track listings in my notebooks. Any of them could have ended up on the record,” Spaltro says. “This box set is a way to honor that whole time, the beginning of the path of my life. Releasing this project feels like just that; I’m able to look back on where I’ve come from, and then gently close that door behind me and keep moving, keep growing.”

General admission tickets are available for $28 in advance, $35 the day of the event. A limited amount of Front Row tickets will be available for $40.

Live! on Stage!
Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkin on drums!
Saturday, March 8th at 8:00pm

While the New York Times says that Jonathan’s songs are “Rhymes worthy of Ogden Nash”, the Nashville Scene implores you to “Buy tickets early. Buy tickets often. This is just good general life advice, but even more so when you’re talking about Jonathan Richman. Don’t get denied at the door, don’t leave things up to chance: You will regret it.”

Originally from Boston, Richman formed the Modern Lovers, one of the most influential bands of all time, pioneering the punk and new wave sound that formed in the 1970s. Inspired by Richman’s captivation with the Velvet Underground, they went on to influence the likes of the Sex Pistols, Violent Femmes, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Weezer among others.

Included on the School of Rock soundtrack, The Modern Lovers’ song ‘Roadrunner’ has been referred to as “the first punk song”, and its cultural influence is such that, for the last decade or so, the Massachusetts State legislature has been fighting to make the song the official rock song of Massachusetts. Many might also recognize Jonathan from his singer-narrator role in the 1998 film, There’s Something About Mary and as a staple on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, performing comedic songs such as ‘You’re Crazy for Taking the Bus’ and ‘Vampire Girl’.

Richman prides himself on simplicity, performing acoustically with Tommy Larkin on the drums. “The music we’re doing now works well in quiet places like theaters and performing art centers. We still don’t use a program or a set list so we don’t know what we’ll do until we do it.”

Alan Doyle and special guests Fortunate Ones
Thursday, March 13th at 7:30pm

Alan Doyle— actor, producer, best-selling author, and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s beloved Great Big Sea these past 20+ years— hardly needs an introduction. With five solo albums under his belt, Doyle has been touring the world with his ace six-piece band for the last decade. In late 2014, Doyle released his best-selling memoir Where I Belong, followed by A Newfoundlander In Canada released in October 2017, and All Together now released in November 2020. Amidst these projects, Doyle found time to write music for and appear on CBC’s Republic of Doyle, guest on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, a role in 2014’s Winter’s Tale and 2010’s Robin Hood. With his 2022 live album “Here, Tonight” and a recent JUNO nomination for his 2021 album “Back to the Harbour”, Doyle chalks up a lot of where he is right now to luck. “I’m the luckiest guy I’ve ever even heard of,” he says. “This was all I ever wanted, a life in the music business, singing concerts.”

Doyle hails from Petty Harbour, NL, and formed Great Big Sea in 1993 with Sean McCann, Bob Hallett, and Darrell Power, in which they fused traditional Newfoundland music with their own pop sensibilities. Their nine albums, double-disc hits retrospective, and two DVD releases have all been declared Gold or Platinum and have sold a combined 1.2 million copies in Canada. 

Fortunate Ones is a contemporary folk duo from Newfoundland. Celebrated for their harmony-entwined songs of hope, resilience, and the human condition and their joyfully disarming live shows, they have toured relentlessly, bringing their open-hearted performances to thousands of people across North America and beyond.

General admission tickets are available for $40 in advance, $45 the day of the event. A limited amount of Front Row tickets will be available for $60. If this show is not sold out, tickets are available at the box office starting at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm, and concessions will be available for purchase.